Bohemia (rapper) explained

Bohemia
Birth Name:Roger David
Birth Date:15 October 1979
Birth Place:Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Nationality:Pakistan
United States of America
Years Active:2001–present
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Origin:Oakland, California, U.S.

Roger David (Panjabi; Punjabi: {{nq|راجر ڈیوڈ, in Panjabi; Punjabi pronounced as /ɾaːd͡ʒəɾ ɖeːʋɪɖ/; born 15 October 1979), better known by his stage name Bohemia (in Panjabi; Punjabi pronounced as /boːɦiːmiːaː/), is a Pakistani-American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer, mainly associated with Punjabi language music industry.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] He is considered to be the pioneer of the Desi hip hop industry.

Early and personal life

Bohemia was born on 15 October 1979 to a Punjabi Christian family in Karachi, Sindh[6] and received his education in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At the age of 13, he moved to the United States with his family.[7] Bohemia married Sunny David on 13 June 2015 in a small ceremony in the Bay Area of San Francisco, California.[8] [9]

Career

In early 2000, he moved to join his cousin in Oakland who was working at a West Oakland recording studio and introduced him to a young hip-hop producer called Sha One (Seth Agress). Discovering that they both shared a deep interest in music, they made plans to form their own record label, which they subsequently called "The Outfit Entertainment". After Sha heard Bohemia reciting something he had written in Punjabi he asked him to rap it over one of his beats. Over the next few months, he wrote a library of lyrics. This would become the arsenal for his debut album Vich Pardesan De (In The Foreign Land) – an autobiographical story of his life as a Desi youngster adapting to the streets of America, which he and Sha One produced together. Their first single "Sha Te Ra" was released as a music video, but the song itself was not included on Vich Pardesan De.

The following album, Pesa Nasha Pyar [Money, Intoxication, Love] became the first full-length Punjabi rap album released by a major label. It was recorded and produced by Sha One and Bohemia in their downtown Oakland studio. After nearly two years of perfecting their sound and style, a seamless fusion of Bohemia's Punjabi vocals, and Sha One's English hooks, the album was finally released. He subsequently signed a multi-record deal with music label Universal Music Group. In 2006, Pesa Nasha Pyar was on the Top 10 downloads of Maxim, and No. 3 on Planet M chart India.[10] His first album Vich Pardesan De get nominated in BBC UK top ten albums. Da Rap Star, his third album, received four nominations at the UK Asian Music Awards and PTC Punjabi music awards. It also remained at No. 1 on Planet M chart for several weeks.[11]

He performed the title track for Warner Bros film Chandni Chowk To China, appearing in the film with Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone.[12] A few months later he did the title track for another Akshay Kumar film, 8 x 10 Tasveer.[13] In 2011, he gave a song as a present to Akshay Kumar for his first Hollywood production Breakaway.[14]

In May 2012, Sony Music India signed Bohemia. As part of the association, Sony Music managed his music albums, launches and shows under its management program.[15] [16]

In September 2012, he released his fourth album Thousand Thoughts.[17] In 2013, it won Best Non-Resident Punjabi Album award at PTC Punjabi Music Awards.[18] At the Coke Studio Sessions, he was the first rap artist, appearing in their fifth season where he performed three songs. Bohemia has also recorded a collaboration with Sonu Kakkar and Jamaican American artist Sean Kingston.[19]

In 2015, Bohemia & J.Hind launched their own music label Kali Denali Music. Bohemia has since departed the company & J.Hind is currently the CEO.[20] Bohemia appeared in XXL magazine in New York.[11]

In 2017, Bohemia released his latest album .[21]

On 26 July 2018, first single "Sandesa" from his EP "Skull & Bones: Volume 2" was released, which turned out to be a remixed version of one of his unreleased singles. On 27 November 2018, Bohemia released first original single "Koi Farak Nahi" for his EP .[22] In an interview Bohemia said that he is coming back with his brand new album Skull and Bones Volume 2 which later got released as an EP. All the songs in it were got released as singles instead of a single unit album.

At the end of 2018, Bohemia went on a tour in India, where he performed in Chandigarh, Delhi, Mumbai, and Rajasthan. He also appeared on an Episode on No.1 Yaarian With Raftaar and Salim Merchant.

In February 2019, Bohemia released the third single "Umeed" from his EP Skull and Bones Volume 2.

In April 2022, Bohemia released his fifth studio album named as "I Am I.C.O.N" (In Control Of Nothing)In this album Bohemia features multiple new talented artists like Noveen Morris and many moreThe music of the album produced by Deep Jandu

Awards and nominations

|-| style="text-align:center;"|2010| style="text-align:center;"|"Da Rap Star"| Best Punjabi Album at PTC Punjabi Music Awards||-| style="text-align:center;"|2010| style="text-align:center;"|"Da Rap Star"| Best Sound Recording at PTC Punjabi Music Awards||-| style="text-align:center;"|2010| style="text-align:center;"|"Da Rap Star"| Best Punjabi Music Director at PTC Punjabi Music Awards||-| style="text-align:center;"|2010| style="text-align:center;"|"Da Rap Star"| Best International Album at UK Asian Music Awards||-| style="text-align:center;"|2013| style="text-align:center;"|"Thousand Thoughts"| Best International Album at PTC Punjabi Music Awards| |-| style="text-align:center;"|2015| style="text-align:center;"|"Excellence Music"| Award of Excellence - Music at Festival Of Globe| |-|style="text-align:center;"|2015| style="text-align:center;"| "Music Career"| Make it large at Mirchi Music Awards Punjabi | |-| style="text-align:center;"|2016| style="text-align:center;"|"Jaguar"| Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards| |-| style="text-align:center;"|2016| style="text-align:center;"|"Patola"| Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards| |- style="text-align:left;"

| style="text-align:center;"|2017| style="text-align:center;"|"Hathiyar 2"| Best Duo at PTC Punjabi Music Awards| |-| style="text-align:center;"|2018| style="text-align:center;"|"Special Award"| International Punjabi Icon at PTC Punjabi Music Awards| |-| style="text-align:center;"|2020| style="text-align:center;"|"Pagol"| Best Music Video at PTC Music Awards|

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details
Vich Pardesan De
Pesa Nasha Pyar
Da Rap Star
Thousand Thoughts
  • Released: 4 September 2012
  • Label: Sony Music India
  • Format: CD, Digital download, streaming
Skull & Bones: The Final Chapter
  • Released: 18 October 2016
  • Label: T-Series
  • Format: CD, Digital download, streaming
I AM I.C.O.N: In control of nothing
  • Released: 20 April 2022
  • Music: Deep Jandu
  • Label: Geet Mp3
  • Format: CD, Digital download, streaming
Rap Star Reloaded
  • Released: 20 April 2024
  • Music: Bohemia
  • Label: Saga Music
  • Format: CD, Digital download, streaming

Mixtapes

Singles discography

As lead artist

Track Year Peak chart positionMusic Album
UK AsianUK Punjabi
All Around The World
(featuring AMAN (Amaar & Siege))
2003 Bohemia
Evury day 2006
Keep It G
(featuring Kurupt)
2007
Kala Doriya
(featuring Dj Chintu)
2009
Chalo
(featuring IQ)
Sher-E-Punjab
(featuring Mika Singh)
Dunali
(featuring Mika Singh)
My Shoes
(featuring MiddleMan & Mr. Kay)
2010 Bohemia
Sh Sh Sharabi
(featuring Gippy Grewal)
Sukshinder Shinda
What Have I Learned
(featuring Jennifer)
Bohemia
Bulawa
(featuring Pakman & D-Naar)
2011
Paisay Da Nasha
(with Rohail Hyatt)
2012Rohail HyaatCoke Studio Sessions: Season 5
School Di Kitaab
(with Rohail Hyatt)
Kandyaari Dhol Geet
(with Chakwal Group & Rohail Hyatt)
yaad anah
(featuring Mixman Shawn)
Bohemia
Paigam
Rooh (the Soul) 2013
Rooh Remix
(ft. Pardhaan)
Phenomenon 2014
Brand New Swag
(ft. Haji Springer & Panda)
Yaad Anah
Wake N Bake
(ft. Avenue OB)
Avenue OB
Main Bohemia
Salute 2015
Taur
(featuring Gippy Grewal)
Haji Springer Faraar soundtrack
Mere Baare
Muqabla
2016Haji Springer & Shaxe Oriah KDM Mixtape vol 1
Gametime
Gang Bang Operation
(with
Deep Jandu
Club Pub
(with Sukh-E & Ramji Gulati & Ali Quli Mirza)
Ali Quli Mirza
MTBK (with Lazarus ft. Deep Jandu & Shaxe Oriah) 2017Shaxe Oriah
Purana WalaBohemiaMTV Spoken Word
Jaane Jana (with J Hind)Shaxe Oriah
Gumrah2018BohemiaSkulls and Bones V2
Gaddi(ft. Pardhaan)Sukh E
Khatra(ft. Gitta Bains)Prabh Near
I Don't Wanna Say That (ft Gitta Bains & Gurlez Akhtar)
SandesaBohemia
Aaja Ni AajaDJ Shadow Dubai
Oh Kudi (with Sab Bhanot)Bohemia
Jackpot (with Asif Ballaj)Ali Mustafa
Robo The Punjabi Lion Anthem2019Bohemia
FOREIGN (with 3AM Sukhi & J.HIND)Haji Springer
UmeedBohemiaSkull and Bones V2 (SNBV2)
Same Beef (featuring Sidhu Moose Wala)24[23] 11[24] Byg Byrd
Kadi KadiBohemia
Virus2020Skull and Bones V2
"Phir Ek Tera Pyar" (featuring Devika)Shaxe Oriah
Nishana (featuring Jazzy B)Shaxe Oriah (Lyrics: Bohemia & Gitta Bains)
Kaisa Nasha (with Noveen Morris, j.hind & Deepak Godiyal)Shaxe OriahKDM Playlist Vol. 1
"Aish"UV Beats & HystayxSkull and Bones V2
"Paar"(with Abrar-Ul-Haq)Saga Music & Kali Denali Music
Crown Prince(Ft. Jazzy B)Harj Nagra (Lyrics: Parry Sarpanch)
RaazBohemiaSkull and Bones V2
Ek Din (featuring Karan Aujla, J.Hind, The Game)Shaxe Oriah
Saari DuniyaRohail HyattCoke Studio 2020
Ajnabi2022Bohemia
Tumhara PyarDeep JanduI Am I.C.O.N.

As featured artist

Track Year Peak chart positionsMusic AlbumNotes
UK asian[25] UK punjabi
Holi Holi Nach
(Tarsame Singh Saini ft. Bohemia)
2010
Hathiyar
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Daru
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Gitta Bains
Bandookaan
(Desi Beam ft. Bohemia)
2011 Desi Beam
Jee Karda
(Bobby B ft. Bohemia)
Bobby B
Maar Charapa
(Sir Punj ft. Bohemia)
2012Sir Punj & Rishi Rich (Unreleased Track)
Adhi Raat
(Jasmine Sandlas ft. Bohemia)
Bohemia
Jaane Jana
(J.Hind ft. Bohemia)
J.Hind
Talli
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Tigerstyle
My Ride Remix
(The Bilz & Kashif ft. Glasses Malone, Bohemia, Drega, Nivla)
2013
Bad Boy
(D Major ft. Bohemia)
2014Tigerstyle
Preet
(Haji Springer ft. Pree Mayall & Bohemia)
Haji Springer
U n Me
(Sean Kingston ft. Sonu Kakkar, & Bohemia)
Akkha Mumbai
(Mun E. Fame ft. Bohemia)
Mun E. Fame
Fire
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Haji Springer
Saheli
(Gurdeep Mehndi ft. Bohemia)
Gurdeep Mehndi
Meri Bandook
(Haji Springer ft. Bohemia)
Haji Springer
Devil inside
(Haji Springer ft. Bohemia)
2015 Haji Springer
Koi Ni Parwaa
(Haji Springer ft. Bohemia)
Haji Springer
Jaguar
(Sukh-E ft. Bohemia)
Tension Stress (Bengali)
(Master-D ft. Bohemia)
Master-D
Yaaran De Siran Te
(Nishawn Bhullar ft. Bohemia)
Rupin Kahlon
Akhiyaan
(Tony Kakkar ft. Neha Kakkar Bohemia)
Tony Kakkar
Akhiyaan Unplugged(Tony Kakkar ft. Neha Kakkar Bohemia) Tony Kakkar
Stolen
(Sahyba ft. Bohemia)
Patola
(Guru Randhawa ft. Bohemia)
Preet Hundal
Level(SunnyBoy ft. Haji Springer Bohemia) Haji Springer
Muqabala
(K. S. Makhan ft. Bohemia)
Prince G
Setti
(Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia)
2016
Zaalima
(Waqar Ex ft. Bohemia)
The Magician
Challa
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Hathyar 2
(Gitta Bains ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Teri Kamar Pe
(Tony Kakkar ft. Bohemia)
Tony Kakkar
Tamasha
(Sajjad Ali ft. Bohemia)
2017
Weed Da Saroor
(J Lucky ft. Bohemia)
Nothing (Remix)
(Raxstar ft. Bohemia)
DJ Harpz
No Make Up
(Bilal Saeed ft. Bohemia)
Bloodline Music
Patake
(Satti Satvinder ft. Bohemia)
Haji Springer
Gold Digger
(Gud Luck ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Thoddi Wala Till
(Simranjeet Singh ft. Bohemia)
Mix Singh
Car Nachdi
(Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia)
B Praak
Dada Giri
(Sab Bhanot ft. Bohemia)
Sab Bhanot
G Wagon
(Goldy Goraya ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Mahi Aaja
(Rahul ft. Bohemia)
Bohemia
Thinking About You
(Sofia Chaudry ft. Bohemia)
Bohemia
Zeher
(Deep Money ft. Bohemia)
2018Deep Money
Good Life
(Deep Jandu ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Malang
(Balsehri ft. Bohemia)
Prince Saggu
Woofer
(Vicky ft. Bohemia)
Sukh-E Muzical Doctorz
Mai Terra Akshay
(Babbal Rai ft. Bohemia)
B Praak
Unity
(Karan Aujla ft. Bohemia)
Deep Jandu
Munde Mar Jaange
(Raghveer Boli ft. Bohemia)
Jay K
Shoulder
(Jaggi Jagowal & Karam Jeet ft. Bohemia)
Laddi Gill
Rajj Rajj Ankhiyan Roiyan
(Mamta Sharma ft Bohemia)
Ramji Gulati
Manaka Da Munda
(Jass Manak ft. Bohemia)
2019Sukhe Musical Doctorz
Assi Trendsetter
(Meet Bros Ft. Bohemia)
Meet Bros
Pagol (Bengali)
(Deep Jandu Ft. Bohemia)
J Statik
Khaas Bande
(Gagan Kokri ft. Bohemia)
Randy J
Khatarnaak
(Gippy Grewal ft. Bohemia)
Desi Crew
"Attitude"
(Raman Romana ft. Bohemia)
2020Mr. WOWLyrics: Deep Fateh
Sharabi Teri Tor
(JS Atwal ft. Bohemia)
Shaxe OriahWhite Magic Music Lyrics: Happy Raikoti
Black EyeBrow
(Lucky Love ft. Bohemia & Pallavi Sood)
Prabh NeeaarLyrics: SK Sahib
Mutiyaare Ni
(Jassa Dhillon Ft. Bohemia)
Gur SidhuYash Raj Films & Saga Music
Kingdom
(Gagan Kokri ft. Bohemia & Shree Brar)
2021Ronn SandhuSaga Music
These Days
(Sidhu Moose Wala ft. Bohemia)
82The KiddMoosetape
Starboy
(Jass Manak ft. Bohemia)
Sharry NexusBad Munda
Mastani
(Varinder Brar ft. Bohemia)
Gill SaabWhite Hill Music
Without You (Tere Bina)
(Flint J Ft. Bohemia)
2022Arbaz KhanBeyond Records
Kala Tikka La Goriye
(Zohaib Aslam ft. Bohemia)
Arbaz KhanBeyond Records
Punjabiyan Di Dhee
(Guru Randhawa ft. Bohemia & Neeru Bajwa)
Preet HundalT-Series

Coke Studio

MTV Spoken Word

Film soundtracks

MovieYearSong MusicCo-artist(s) Note
Chandni Chowk to China 2009Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C)BohemiaAkshay Kumar
8 x 10 Tasveer I Got the Picture J.Hind
I Got the Picture (Remix)
Breakaway 2011Sansaar Sandeep ChowtaCanadian English/Punjabi film
Desi Boyz Subha Hone Na De Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares, Yo Yo Honey Singh
Tu Mera Hero (Subha Hone Na De)Mika Singh, Shefali Alvares
Subha Hone Na De (Remix)
Faraar 2015Taur BohemiaGippy GrewalPunjabi film
Dishoom 2016Subha Hone Na De (Remix) PritamMika Singh, Shefali Alvares
Street Dancer 3D2020Dua KaroSachin–Jigar
Maraven Yen AdayaalamAmit MishraTamil Version
O Deva DevaTelugu version
Bunty Aur Babli 22021Bunty Aur Babli - Title Track Shankar-Ehsaan-LoySiddharth Mahadevan

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cricketer Tanvir's brother files law suit against rapper Bohemia Pakistan Today. www.pakistantoday.com.pk. 2 October 2018 . 12 May 2019.
  2. Web site: Pakistani-American rapper Bohemia set to make acting debut. Images Staff. 10 August 2018. Images. en. 12 May 2019.
  3. Web site: Bohemia dedicates new song Gumraah to victims of abuse Pakistan Today. www.pakistantoday.com.pk. 20 January 2018 . 12 May 2019.
  4. Web site: Pakistani rapper Bohemia in Bollywood again. Tribune.com.pk. 27 December 2010. The Express Tribune. en-US. 12 May 2019.
  5. Web site: Bohemia to perform live in Delhi on Friday. 12 December 2018. The Statesman. en-US. 12 May 2019.
  6. News: Kapoor . Diksha . Happy Birthday Bohemia: Here's How He Became The King Of Punjabi Rap . 31 May 2023 . PTC Punjabi . 15 October 2019 . en.
  7. News: Bohemia: More than just forties and shorties. Mahmood. Rafay. 27 January 2012. The Express Tribune. 31 August 2018. en-US.
  8. Web site: ssbride2345 . 9 July 2018 . Bohemia, The King of Punjabi Rap . 23 April 2023 . Sacramento Bride & Groom . en-US.
  9. News: N . Karan . Bohemia, His Wife Visit Golden Temple To Start Their New Year 2019 . 25 November 2020 . PTC Punjabi . 2 January 2019.
  10. Web site: Bio . Thepunjabirapper.com . Bohemia . 30 August 2012 . 25 July 2014 . 25 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140625103647/http://thepunjabirapper.com/bio/ . dead .
  11. Web site: Bohemia Bio | Bohemia Career . https://web.archive.org/web/20130104112103/http://www.mtv.com/artists/bohemia/biography . dead . 4 January 2013 . MTV . 27 June 2014.
  12. Web site: Chandni Chowk to China (2009). jfsocc. 16 January 2009. IMDb. 9 March 2015.
  13. Web site: 8 x 10 Tasveer (2009). manojharisree. 3 April 2009. IMDb. 9 March 2015.
  14. Web site: Sansaar [Breakaway 2011]]. Bohemia The Punjabi Rapper. 9 March 2015. 3 September 2011.
  15. Web site: Sony Music signs Punjabi rapper Bohemia . Daily News & Analysis . Dnaindia.com . 29 May 2012 . 27 June 2014.
  16. News: Sony Music signs singer Bohemia . https://archive.today/20120707031815/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-29/news-and-interviews/31886974_1_sony-music-bohemia-singer-shot . dead . 7 July 2012 . 29 May 2012 . . 14 October 2012.
  17. Web site: iTunes – Music – Thousand Thoughts by Bohemia. iTunes. 4 September 2012 . 9 March 2015.
  18. News: PTC Punjabi Music Awards winners . https://web.archive.org/web/20130328131639/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-25/music/38009229_1_miss-pooja-honey-singh-sudesh-kumari . dead . 28 March 2013 . . 25 March 2013.
  19. Web site: BOHEMIA, IRAJ, SEAN KINGSTON. BOHEMIA. 9 March 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150303052956/http://thepunjabirapper.com/iraj-sean-kingston-2014-01-17/. 3 March 2015.
  20. Web site: Main. BOHEMIA. 9 March 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20150223233509/http://thepunjabirapper.com/main-2014-11-07/. 23 February 2015.
  21. Web site: Skull & Bones by Bohemia . iTunes . 17 November 2018 . 13 February 2017.
  22. Web site: Koi Farak Nahi - Single . iTunes . 27 November 2018 . 27 November 2018.
  23. Web site: Asian Music Chart Top 40 Official Charts Company . 6 March 2023 . www.officialcharts.com . en.
  24. Web site: Official Punjabi Music Chart Top 20 Official Charts Company . 6 March 2023 . www.officialcharts.com . en.
  25. Bohemia Chart History https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/60465/sidhu-moose-wala-ft-bohemia